New Daily? C63 AMG 507 Coupe.... Thoughts?
Discussion
It's time for a new daily..... and what fits the bill better than a thundering V8?
Having pondered on this for a while, I keep coming back to the 507 coupe. It ticks so many boxes, I'm struggling to see past it. Mileage isn't a major concern, as my office is about 15miles away and I can work from home a few days a week, if I fancy it. Fuel consumption doesn't worry me too much as I've never owned a daily that did more than 22mpg when driven carefully anyway. My 7yr daughter loves cars and has grown up in the back of 2-door cars, so that's no bother either..... My missus would roll her eyes at any car I buy, so that's business as usual anyway.
So folks.... tell me from an owners point of view, should I buy one to run for 6K-8K miles a year? What are the good and bad points? Aside from fuel, what are running costs like? Any problems with them? Any watch outs? Thanks for your advice
Having pondered on this for a while, I keep coming back to the 507 coupe. It ticks so many boxes, I'm struggling to see past it. Mileage isn't a major concern, as my office is about 15miles away and I can work from home a few days a week, if I fancy it. Fuel consumption doesn't worry me too much as I've never owned a daily that did more than 22mpg when driven carefully anyway. My 7yr daughter loves cars and has grown up in the back of 2-door cars, so that's no bother either..... My missus would roll her eyes at any car I buy, so that's business as usual anyway.
So folks.... tell me from an owners point of view, should I buy one to run for 6K-8K miles a year? What are the good and bad points? Aside from fuel, what are running costs like? Any problems with them? Any watch outs? Thanks for your advice
Biased view. Do it!
I don't have a 507 unfortunately (just a C63 Estate facelift). Bought it over 18months ago from a main dealer with 2 years warranty/servicing best car I've had...love it...use it daily (for Nursery drops/pickups), generally work from home but I try to use it as much as possible about 8-10k a year...I don't think you'll regret it!! I've often thought of changing to the new 4.0 bi turbo but at the moment can't see any reasons to make the change. Could be a keeper for me (e.g. more than 2 years :P
Actually only thing I'd swap it for at the moment is a 507 Edition Estate
I don't have a 507 unfortunately (just a C63 Estate facelift). Bought it over 18months ago from a main dealer with 2 years warranty/servicing best car I've had...love it...use it daily (for Nursery drops/pickups), generally work from home but I try to use it as much as possible
about 8-10k a year...I don't think you'll regret it!! I've often thought of changing to the new 4.0 bi turbo but at the moment can't see any reasons to make the change. Could be a keeper for me (e.g. more than 2 years :PActually only thing I'd swap it for at the moment is a 507 Edition Estate
Thanks for your endorsement! The heart says "do it", so now I need the head convicing with any views on scary costs / problems, etc. I've not seen any scare stories online with problems (I'm looking for the Merc equivilent of Porsche IMS issues, etc!), so I'm hoping that these are as reliable as they seem to be!
Biggest cost watchout seems to be the composite discs & associated pads, but other than that nothing is popping up. I hope a few more owners can chime in
Biggest cost watchout seems to be the composite discs & associated pads, but other than that nothing is popping up. I hope a few more owners can chime in
If you get a warranty you'll be laughing (had a 2 year on my '13 plate c63 ppp car bought in '16).
I ate through the inside shoulders of my rear tyres in 6000 miles (Conti Sport Contacts), so although they had quite a bit of tread left, the camber on the rear (saloon) appears to favour eating the insides under straight line acceleration. Beware - it's hard to see this wear from a quick glance at the tyre.
Fuel tank is small, I regularly tank up before 200miles. I've been advised against playing fuel light bingo as it seems to drop quickly when it comes on, so I'm putting about 55 litres of v-power at every stop. This is mainly short distance town driving where I see around 17-20mpg. On the motorway I'll get 25mpg, and see the range hit 300miles (according to the prediction on the trip computer).
Not had any issues so far. I picked mine up with 10k miles on the clock, and its at 18k now. Solid every day car that you can put two child seats in the back of if required.
Only thing I wish I had is the LSD. If I switch off TC I find it's easy spin up the inside rear off corners if trying to press on.
Issues I've seen reported on occasion on the forums: Noisy top ends could be cam/lifter issues (you'll hear a ticking that raises with revs), but again, if you've a warranty they'll get it sorted if it becomes a problem. Pre 12 cars had headbolt issues (you'll be fine there).
I ate through the inside shoulders of my rear tyres in 6000 miles (Conti Sport Contacts), so although they had quite a bit of tread left, the camber on the rear (saloon) appears to favour eating the insides under straight line acceleration. Beware - it's hard to see this wear from a quick glance at the tyre.
Fuel tank is small, I regularly tank up before 200miles. I've been advised against playing fuel light bingo as it seems to drop quickly when it comes on, so I'm putting about 55 litres of v-power at every stop. This is mainly short distance town driving where I see around 17-20mpg. On the motorway I'll get 25mpg, and see the range hit 300miles (according to the prediction on the trip computer).
Not had any issues so far. I picked mine up with 10k miles on the clock, and its at 18k now. Solid every day car that you can put two child seats in the back of if required.
Only thing I wish I had is the LSD. If I switch off TC I find it's easy spin up the inside rear off corners if trying to press on.
Issues I've seen reported on occasion on the forums: Noisy top ends could be cam/lifter issues (you'll hear a ticking that raises with revs), but again, if you've a warranty they'll get it sorted if it becomes a problem. Pre 12 cars had headbolt issues (you'll be fine there).
Edited by alexpez on Tuesday 8th August 15:55
alexpez said:
If you get a warranty you'll be laughing (had a 2 year on my '13 plate c63 ppp car bought in '16).
I ate through the inside shoulders of my rear tyres in 6000 miles (Conti Sport Contacts), so although they had quite a bit of tread left, the camber on the rear (saloon) appears to favour eating the insides under straight line acceleration. Beware - it's hard to see this wear from a quick glance at the tyre.
Fuel tank is small, I regularly tank up before 200miles.
Not had any issues so far. I picked mine up with 10k miles on the clock, and its at 18k now. Solid every day car that you can put two child seats in the back of if required.
Only thing I wish I had is the LSD. If I switch off TC I find it's easy spin up the inside rear off corners if trying to press on.
Issues I've seen reported on occasion on the forums: Noisy top ends could be cam/lifter issues (you'll hear a ticking that raises with revs), but again, if you've a warranty they'll get it sorted if it becomes a problem. Pre 12 cars had headbolt issues (you'll be fine there).
Thanks for the feedback..... tyres aren't an issue, my current daily (400bhp Mk2 Focus RS owned from new) munches it's tyres in the same way: inner edges gone in 5-6K miles. Fuel range is 220-240miles @ around a 22mpg avg.I ate through the inside shoulders of my rear tyres in 6000 miles (Conti Sport Contacts), so although they had quite a bit of tread left, the camber on the rear (saloon) appears to favour eating the insides under straight line acceleration. Beware - it's hard to see this wear from a quick glance at the tyre.
Fuel tank is small, I regularly tank up before 200miles.
Not had any issues so far. I picked mine up with 10k miles on the clock, and its at 18k now. Solid every day car that you can put two child seats in the back of if required.
Only thing I wish I had is the LSD. If I switch off TC I find it's easy spin up the inside rear off corners if trying to press on.
Issues I've seen reported on occasion on the forums: Noisy top ends could be cam/lifter issues (you'll hear a ticking that raises with revs), but again, if you've a warranty they'll get it sorted if it becomes a problem. Pre 12 cars had headbolt issues (you'll be fine there).
I'm not sure if the 507 comes with the LSD or not, I've not seen it mentioned in any adverts so far? Was it std or part of an options pack?
Comments on top-end are interesting. Is this applicable to the 507 or just the normal / PP cars, do you know?
LSD optional on all as far as I'm aware (travesty). It's a nightmare finding cars with it fitted on most of the websites as well. Over on the mbclub forum the members seem to like the after market Quaife ATB diff - its a torque biasing diff so geared (lifetime warranty I believe) and a little different from the clutch based AMG diff (a salisbury diff) that does wear.
The LSD was option 471 on the spec sheet from memory.
AMG down in Affalterbach will fit the factory option for you, as will a few indys here in the UK. I've spoken to two main dealers about this and neither will do it (I'm told it's not that difficult to fit - the AMG LSD diff sits in the same housing as the standard open diff apparently).
From what I've read on the forums all variants of the m156 engine can be a little noisy until the oil pressure and temps go up. Not an issue unless it continues to clatter even when hot (the dash gives you oil temp readings - at 80 degs C the text changes from blue to white to indicate that its's up to operating temp, takes about 10 minutes of easy driving).
The LSD was option 471 on the spec sheet from memory.
AMG down in Affalterbach will fit the factory option for you, as will a few indys here in the UK. I've spoken to two main dealers about this and neither will do it (I'm told it's not that difficult to fit - the AMG LSD diff sits in the same housing as the standard open diff apparently).
From what I've read on the forums all variants of the m156 engine can be a little noisy until the oil pressure and temps go up. Not an issue unless it continues to clatter even when hot (the dash gives you oil temp readings - at 80 degs C the text changes from blue to white to indicate that its's up to operating temp, takes about 10 minutes of easy driving).
The C63 is a great car and very easy to live with as a daily driver. I used mine over four years for jaunts around town as well as long distance driving and it was fantastic at both (that is, assuming you have the latest gearbox and engine firmware updates, otherwise the gear changes can be somewhat jerky).
If 70% of the car's miles are on motorways, you can easily get 10,000 miles out of a set of tyres. The ContiSport 6's last slightly less long, but are worth the upgrade. Brakes seem to last forever. Most snags have already been mentioned - fuel consumption and fuel tank size (don't expect to get much more than 200 miles off a tank). The gearbox can feel like a reluctant neighbour to the party, but not enough to spoil the car. I would also get the LSD.
This car will go down as the most fun car I ever owned when driving spiritedly, yet the most relaxing cruiser I have ever owned. That is until the new model came out. The new model is a very different car (the old car feels very much the ultimate muscle car, whereas the new is foremost a sports car, albeit with enough low-down torque to challenge a tank). Both have a big space in my heart.
If 70% of the car's miles are on motorways, you can easily get 10,000 miles out of a set of tyres. The ContiSport 6's last slightly less long, but are worth the upgrade. Brakes seem to last forever. Most snags have already been mentioned - fuel consumption and fuel tank size (don't expect to get much more than 200 miles off a tank). The gearbox can feel like a reluctant neighbour to the party, but not enough to spoil the car. I would also get the LSD.
This car will go down as the most fun car I ever owned when driving spiritedly, yet the most relaxing cruiser I have ever owned. That is until the new model came out. The new model is a very different car (the old car feels very much the ultimate muscle car, whereas the new is foremost a sports car, albeit with enough low-down torque to challenge a tank). Both have a big space in my heart.
Edited by jahill on Wednesday 9th August 03:54
Thanks again for the comments. the LSD continues to be a challenge to find in the adverts. I believe it was a £1,700 option on the 507, but I'm not sure if it was part of a "pack" or not, I'll be sure to look more into it as I start to look at cars.
Interesting comments on the gearbox & software. I'll be sure to try the various modes on test drives and look into how the software version can be checked / verified. I'd expect a Merc dealer to be able to do that, but most of the cars seem to be with independants, so might be difficult check upfront.
Driving will not be m-ways. My commute is 11-15 miles (depending if Im doing the school run) along A&B roads. I expect tyres to last about as long as my RS and fuel economy to be a point or two worse, so not too big a deal. First insurance quote is £500, so not too bad on that score either.... it's feeling almost liek a sensible purchase
Interesting comments on the gearbox & software. I'll be sure to try the various modes on test drives and look into how the software version can be checked / verified. I'd expect a Merc dealer to be able to do that, but most of the cars seem to be with independants, so might be difficult check upfront.
Driving will not be m-ways. My commute is 11-15 miles (depending if Im doing the school run) along A&B roads. I expect tyres to last about as long as my RS and fuel economy to be a point or two worse, so not too big a deal. First insurance quote is £500, so not too bad on that score either.... it's feeling almost liek a sensible purchase
Reading this thread with great interest as could be looking to get out of my 997 turbo early next year & looking for a daily (short journeys like 356) for the next 2-3 years & thinking what next. I was thinking RS5 (outgoing face lift model) or M4. But the 507 seems hard to beat at this price point. Although C63 AMG Coupe with PPP+ offers similar performance to the 507 at a lot less money.
What are peoples thoughts on depreciation? I would have thought it has classic written all over it.
What are peoples thoughts on depreciation? I would have thought it has classic written all over it.
Edited by Andrew911 on Wednesday 9th August 10:35
Andrew911 said:
Reading this thread with great interest as could be looking to get out of my 997 turbo early next year & looking for a daily (short journeys like 356) for the next 2-3 years & thinking what next. I was thinking RS5 (outgoing face lift model) or M4. But the 507 seems hard to beat at this price point.
What are peoples thoughts on depreciation? I would have thought it has classic written all over it.
It sounds like we're in a similar place! I considered the RS5, but quickly discounted it after driving a few (non-RS) A5s - the interiors are very dated and the driving position is terribly offset. It's a very old platform and the new car blows it out of the water. I considered a 997 GTS/turbo, but the time isn't right for me.... maybe next time What are peoples thoughts on depreciation? I would have thought it has classic written all over it.
For me the M4 doesn't get a look-in. The engine doesn't excite me and BMW interiors (IMO) are functional, but uninspiring.
It's difficult to say if the 507 will be a future modern classic, but I do think it's values will be stronger (so depreciation ought to be a tad softer) vs the standard C63 / PP models. My thinking is the last of the N/A 6.2 V8s ought to command something of a premium & be the more desirable models.... I might be wrong, but that's the logic I'm using to sell the car to my wife, LOL! Keep the feedback coming folks!
356Speedster said:
It sounds like we're in a similar place! I considered the RS5, but quickly discounted it after driving a few (non-RS) A5s - the interiors are very dated and the driving position is terribly offset. It's a very old platform and the new car blows it out of the water. I considered a 997 GTS/turbo, but the time isn't right for me.... maybe next time
For me the M4 doesn't get a look-in. The engine doesn't excite me and BMW interiors (IMO) are functional, but uninspiring.
It's difficult to say if the 507 will be a future modern classic, but I do think it's values will be stronger (so depreciation ought to be a tad softer) vs the standard C63 / PP models. My thinking is the last of the N/A 6.2 V8s ought to command something of a premium & be the more desirable models.... I might be wrong, but that's the logic I'm using to sell the car to my wife, LOL! Keep the feedback coming folks!
You're a little ahead of me. I'am thinking early next year possibly. Have had quite a few Porkers & the 997 turbo is a great car & depreciation proof. I may need to release some cash next year but still would like a 'nice' car until the 718 GT4 comes out in 2-3 years (I'am hopeful of getting one For me the M4 doesn't get a look-in. The engine doesn't excite me and BMW interiors (IMO) are functional, but uninspiring.
It's difficult to say if the 507 will be a future modern classic, but I do think it's values will be stronger (so depreciation ought to be a tad softer) vs the standard C63 / PP models. My thinking is the last of the N/A 6.2 V8s ought to command something of a premium & be the more desirable models.... I might be wrong, but that's the logic I'm using to sell the car to my wife, LOL! Keep the feedback coming folks!
). The RS5 got a minor look in due to 4 wheel drive as I have to negotiate some country lanes which are not always gritted, but agree its not that inspiring.Good luck with the search & look forward to hearing more about your purchase
I was in a similar situation a month back and pulled the trigger on a 2013 30k miles C63 saloon (need the rear doors for a baby seat).
It's been the best car I've owned to date (had the BMW M/ JDM bug previously). To me, it's leagues above the competition and far more engaging and enjoyable to drive than the M4/ M3/ RS5/ S5 etc etc. It's a comfortable M-Way cruiser, but an absolute monster in S+ mode.
Mine has a Miltek cat back which removes the rear cats and resonator, lowered on Bilsteins and has been de-chromed and I'm literally
A Eurocharged remap to 550 bhp is on the cards next.
Key costs issues I've seen/ found:
- Around town mileage will be sub 10mpg for the first month, rising to early teens with a more careful right foot.
- The best I've seen is cruising just below 70mph which returned 25mpg.
- Brakes are pricey on the PP/ 507's as it's a floating disc (Circa £2k all in I've been quoted)
- Whilst I haven't replaced tyres yet, mine were new when I picked the car up and now read around 3-4mm on the rears. This is in just under 2k miles with mixed driving.
Known issues before I pulled the trigger
- They're known to over heat. I've heard an Oil Cooler kit can be retrofitted which improves things.
- Noisy engines should quieten down when warm, if not then the top end may need adjusting/ replacing
- Creaky interiors can be a problem but most fixed under warranty
- Creaky sunroofs (as above)
- The AMG wheels will almost always crack at some point, many sub 30k miles
It's been the best car I've owned to date (had the BMW M/ JDM bug previously). To me, it's leagues above the competition and far more engaging and enjoyable to drive than the M4/ M3/ RS5/ S5 etc etc. It's a comfortable M-Way cruiser, but an absolute monster in S+ mode.
Mine has a Miltek cat back which removes the rear cats and resonator, lowered on Bilsteins and has been de-chromed and I'm literally
A Eurocharged remap to 550 bhp is on the cards next.
Key costs issues I've seen/ found:
- Around town mileage will be sub 10mpg for the first month, rising to early teens with a more careful right foot.
- The best I've seen is cruising just below 70mph which returned 25mpg.
- Brakes are pricey on the PP/ 507's as it's a floating disc (Circa £2k all in I've been quoted)
- Whilst I haven't replaced tyres yet, mine were new when I picked the car up and now read around 3-4mm on the rears. This is in just under 2k miles with mixed driving.
Known issues before I pulled the trigger
- They're known to over heat. I've heard an Oil Cooler kit can be retrofitted which improves things.
- Noisy engines should quieten down when warm, if not then the top end may need adjusting/ replacing
- Creaky interiors can be a problem but most fixed under warranty
- Creaky sunroofs (as above)
- The AMG wheels will almost always crack at some point, many sub 30k miles
Ive owned a 507 coupe
from new. Absolutely incredible car .... downsides are fuel consumption (avg 18mpg for me), creaky dash and LSD not being standard. I shouldnt worry about tyres. My rears expired at 16k and the fronts are still fine at more miles. Discs should last 70k miles or so under normal driving. I had a quaife fitted which is considered superior to the MB unit. The engine is considered pretty bulletproof as its had a long proofing period. My advice is go for it... scruffy or 18 inch wheel 507s are sensible money but asking prices for cherished reasonably specced cars are steadily increasing and I believe it will hold its money well.
from new. Absolutely incredible car .... downsides are fuel consumption (avg 18mpg for me), creaky dash and LSD not being standard. I shouldnt worry about tyres. My rears expired at 16k and the fronts are still fine at more miles. Discs should last 70k miles or so under normal driving. I had a quaife fitted which is considered superior to the MB unit. The engine is considered pretty bulletproof as its had a long proofing period. My advice is go for it... scruffy or 18 inch wheel 507s are sensible money but asking prices for cherished reasonably specced cars are steadily increasing and I believe it will hold its money well.
Edited by Steelnads on Wednesday 9th August 19:32
Great to hear such endorsements. I'm hoping to view some cars soon, although impending holiday is going get in the way somewhat 
I've seen that brake discs do last well and that replacements can be sourced outside MB for £600'ish..... I'm looking to source as young and as low mileage a car as possible, so I'm not expecting this to be an issue.
Interesting comment on overheating... is this after track use? I'd be very surprised to hear if they will overheat in normal driving, that sounds quite peculiar.... any more views on this?
I'm not against putting in a Quaiffe LSD, so perhaps that can be a price haggle point if I can't find a car with a factory diff fitted.
It's a coupe all day long for me, I'm not a 4-door fan. My little girl has grown up in exclusively 2-door cars Fingers crossed values are holding steady / creeping up, bodes well for the future!! Thanks again folks, great info!
I've seen that brake discs do last well and that replacements can be sourced outside MB for £600'ish..... I'm looking to source as young and as low mileage a car as possible, so I'm not expecting this to be an issue.
Interesting comment on overheating... is this after track use? I'd be very surprised to hear if they will overheat in normal driving, that sounds quite peculiar.... any more views on this?
I'm not against putting in a Quaiffe LSD, so perhaps that can be a price haggle point if I can't find a car with a factory diff fitted.
It's a coupe all day long for me, I'm not a 4-door fan. My little girl has grown up in exclusively 2-door cars
Fingers crossed values are holding steady / creeping up, bodes well for the future!! Thanks again folks, great info!RE the over heating:
Whilst it's more common stateside with higher climates, I'd found a fair few UK owners suffering the same problem.
Only being early into ownership, I haven't seen the car go into limp mode. However I have seen some pretty high running temps with spirited driving.
This is a suggested fix:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w204/538737-coo...
A google search of C63 over heating will give you some info.
Whilst it's more common stateside with higher climates, I'd found a fair few UK owners suffering the same problem.
Only being early into ownership, I haven't seen the car go into limp mode. However I have seen some pretty high running temps with spirited driving.
This is a suggested fix:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w204/538737-coo...
A google search of C63 over heating will give you some info.
Edited by kxaddict on Wednesday 9th August 22:22
Quick update...... I've done a deal on a lovely, 64-plate, low milage 507 coupe. I should take posession early next week, fingers crossed! It's not got the LSD, but I can live without that as it's got Harmon Kardon, full-keyless entry/go, reverse camera and the optional wheel upgrade.
Thanks to everyone for their advice, pics to come once she's safely on my drive!!
Thanks to everyone for their advice, pics to come once she's safely on my drive!!
356Speedster said:
Quick update...... I've done a deal on a lovely, 64-plate, low milage 507 coupe. I should take posession early next week, fingers crossed! It's not got the LSD, but I can live without that as it's got Harmon Kardon, full-keyless entry/go, reverse camera and the optional wheel upgrade.
Thanks to everyone for their advice, pics to come once she's safely on my drive!!
Congratulations I've had mine 2 weeks now, came out of a Lamborghini and I bloody love it!! its the 3rd one I've had. my misses loved it so much I brought her one on Friday but its a performance pack car not a 507. enjoyThanks to everyone for their advice, pics to come once she's safely on my drive!!
I must go against the grain of all these glowing reviews.
The C63 is an average car. The build quality is average. The dashboard squeaks, the brakes squeak...the ride is extremely harsh and the seats are awful.
Real world town mpg is less than 10.
The quality of the materials used in the cabin are sub par. The leather used for example is very poor.
The C63 is an average car. The build quality is average. The dashboard squeaks, the brakes squeak...the ride is extremely harsh and the seats are awful.
Real world town mpg is less than 10.
The quality of the materials used in the cabin are sub par. The leather used for example is very poor.
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